By Mark Maynard
Kentucky Today
An incident involving a group of teens on Saturday night that evoked panic among fairgoers has prompted policy changes at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center.
Beginning Wednesday, anyone under 18 entering the Kentucky State Fair after 6 p.m. will have to be accompanied by an adult, according to a new policy announced Monday afternoon.
Kentucky State Fair announced a new policy Monday that says adult supervision for minors is required after 6 p.m. beginning Wednesday. (Kentucky State Fair photo)
Fair officials also said there would be an increase in lighting and law enforcement during peak hours at the fair.
A panic ensued Saturday night around 10:30 when teenagers set off fireworks and someone yelled “Shooter!” In a chaotic scene captured on social media, many panicked attendees ran for the exits and one girl suffered a broken foot after being trampled.
Kentucky State Police are investigating the firework incident along with a report of an actual gun being fired into the air. Two adults were arrested and several teens cited on Saturday.
KSP and the Louisville Metro Police Department have officers at the State Fair and both were on the scene Saturday night.
KSP is pursuing charges against the teen who may have fired the gun Saturday night.
“The Kentucky State Fair is a family-friendly event and our facility’s goal is to ensure that fairgoers are able to enjoy a comfortable experience during the Fair each year,” said Fair President and CEO David S. Beck. “With this new policy and added security measures, we are continuing to enhance the Kentucky State Fair experience for all our guests.”
